The California Classic and Salt Lake City summer leagues have concluded, shifting the focus to the main offseason event: the NBA 2K26 Las Vegas Summer League.
This 11-day tournament starts on Thursday and runs until July 20th, culminating in the crowning of a champion.
The event will feature the new faces from the 2025 draft class, alongside other recent draftees like Bronny James, Reed Sheppard, and Rob Dillingham, as well as undrafted veterans seeking roster spots. Top 2025 picks Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and V.J. Edgecombe are all set to play starting Thursday.
After each team completes four games, the top four teams will advance to the playoffs. The two semifinal games are scheduled for July 19th, with the championship game on July 20th. The remaining 26 teams will play a fifth game between July 18th and 20th.
With the tournament schedule confirmed, analysts Kevin Pelton and Jeremy Woo present their list of players to keep an eye on for each Summer League team.
Atlanta Hawks
Kobe Bufkin | SG
2023 draft: Round 1, No. 15
This is a significant year for Bufkin, who is returning to action almost seven months after season-ending shoulder surgery. The guard from Michigan showed promise upon entering the league in 2023 but has only played 27 regular-season games. The 21-year-old has a crucial opportunity to establish his place in Atlanta`s future plans, especially as the team retools under new leadership that didn`t draft him. Bufkin`s performance upon his return will be closely watched.
Boston Celtics
Hugo Gonzalez | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 28
Gonzalez joins Boston in a favorable situation as their sole first-round pick, with potentially ample wing minutes available. After averaging only 10 minutes per game at Real Madrid last season, the 19-year-old will get extended playing time in the NBA Summer League. Known for his high motor, he enters a much better environment for development. Observing how Gonzalez performs without restrictions will be key; he could potentially evolve into an important role player for the Celtics.
Brooklyn Nets
Egor Demin | PG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 8
As the top pick in the Nets` five-player draft class, Demin is the most intriguing newcomer. Brooklyn likely intends to maximize his potential as an on-ball playmaker. He is expected to share ball-handling duties with the Nets` other rookies, but Demin`s passing vision should particularly stand out in the typically open Summer League environment in Vegas. His performance in this context will be interesting, and his potential in pick-and-roll situations with fellow draft pick Danny Wolf is worth watching.
Charlotte Hornets
Kon Knueppel | SF
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 4
Knueppel is expected to be a primary focus for the Hornets in Las Vegas, offering him a chance to display his exceptional shooting skills (64.8 true shooting percentage at Duke) and his capabilities as a secondary playmaker. He projects to be one of the more polished rookies entering the league. This Summer League provides an excellent platform for him to get numerous shots up and showcase his offensive game.
Chicago Bulls
Matas Buzelis | SF
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 11
Buzelis will likely play only one or two games in Las Vegas, but his strong finish to last season (13 points on 46% field goal, 36% 3-pointers, 83% free throws post-All-Star break) was a crucial development for the Bulls. Chicago is set to increasingly rely on him in the coming seasons. He should have ample opportunities to score on a Summer League roster largely built around him. Additionally, 2025 No. 12 pick Noa Essengue is intriguing, adding another versatile forward for the Bulls to develop.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Jaylon Tyson | SG
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 20
With the Cavaliers only making two second-round selections this year, last year`s 20th overall pick, Jaylon Tyson, is the main attraction for their Summer League squad. He was used sparingly on a strong Cleveland team in 2024-25, but he is expected to have a more significant role next season, especially after the Cavs traded Isaac Okoro. Tyson`s physical size for his position and his offensive talent should stand out in Vegas.
Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg | SF
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 1
Drawing from his experience coaching Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd stated his summer plan for Flagg: “I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts,” focusing on “Being able to run the show, being able to play the 2, play the 3.” While a power forward at Duke, Flagg needs to transition to playing perimeter roles in the NBA due to the Mavericks` crowded frontcourt. Las Vegas will provide the first look at how Kidd`s strategy for Flagg unfolds.
Denver Nuggets
DaRon Holmes II | PF
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 22 by Phoenix
A major setback from last year`s summer action was Holmes suffering an Achilles rupture in his Denver debut, leading to surgery and missing his entire first NBA season. Now, the 2024 first-round pick is prepared to return to the court. Holmes` potential to contribute as a rookie could be particularly vital if the Nuggets cannot secure Jonas Valanciunas, recently acquired via trade, to back up Nikola Jokic, should Valanciunas accept an offer from a Greek club.
Detroit Pistons
Ron Holland II | SF
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 5
Holland played a limited role in a crowded Pistons wing rotation during his rookie season but should have a clearer path to playing time moving forward, especially given Detroit selected him higher than many anticipated in 2024. Showcasing his abilities in Summer League, where he will be the featured player on the Pistons` roster, would be a significant step. Improvement in his shooting (28.3% from 3 last season) will be particularly important to watch.
Golden State Warriors
L.J. Cryer | PG
2025: Undrafted
An All-America selection who nearly led Houston to the national championship last year, Cryer is the type of undrafted player who could excel in Las Vegas due to his shooting prowess. Cryer ranked in the top 50 of pre-draft projections, largely based on his 40% career 3-point shooting in the NCAA. On an Exhibit 10 contract, he should have plenty of chances to prove himself on a Warriors roster that includes only two of their own draft picks this year, both second-rounders.
Houston Rockets
Reed Sheppard | PG/SG
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 3
Sheppard was a standout in last year`s Summer League, earning a spot on the All-Summer League first team after averaging 20 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.8 steals per game. However, his rookie NBA season saw him log only 654 minutes. As a result, he is back this summer to demonstrate he deserves more playing time in his second year on a Rockets team now positioned as a championship contender.
Indiana Pacers
Taelon Peter | SG
2025 draft: Round 2, No. 54
One of the draft`s genuine sleepers, Peter led Division I in true shooting percentage (73.5%) last season while playing just 23 minutes off the bench at Liberty. Indiana selected him late in the second round, making his adjustment to the significant leap in competition level intriguing. Peter is an impressive athlete with strong run-jump ability, but he will need to maintain some of his elite efficiency against better players. Summer League is a useful testing ground for this.
LA Clippers
Kobe Brown | PF
2023 draft: Round 1, No. 30
This summer is crucial for Brown, who has played only 666 minutes over two seasons since being drafted by the Clippers in the second round in 2023 (the same slot where they picked Yanic Konan Niederhauser this year). With the Clippers focused on roster flexibility, they may be hesitant to exercise the $4.8 million team option for Brown`s 2026-27 contract by the October 31st deadline, unless he proves he can be a consistent rotation player.
Los Angeles Lakers
Bronny James | SG
2024 draft: Round 2, No. 55
Much of James` rookie development occurred away from the NBA spotlight, as he logged only 181 minutes with the main team. He saw considerably more action with the G League`s South Bay Lakers, where he averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.6 rebounds over 18 games. After initial efficiency struggles, James improved significantly in the regular G League season, hitting 38% of his 3-pointers. The Lakers will be looking for him to show similar progress this summer as he aims to become an NBA contributor.
Memphis Grizzlies
GG Jackson | PF
2023 draft: Round 2, No. 45
The Grizzlies are likely without their No. 11 pick, Cedric Coward, who is doubtful while rehabbing from December shoulder surgery. Their 2024 second-round picks, Cam Spencer and Jaylen Wells, will participate despite Wells` strong rookie season (third in ROY voting). However, the most exciting player to watch is still the 20-year-old Jackson, who remains the youngest player on the roster by a wide margin and played only 29 games in his second NBA season due to injury. Both Jackson and Wells demonstrated scoring ability with 20 points each in Saturday`s debut.
Miami Heat
Kasparas Jakucionis | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 20
Jakucionis surprisingly fell in the draft but proved to be a valuable pick-up for the Heat, providing the type of playmaking guard their roster needed. He had a slow start in the California Classic, but better performances are anticipated. He should receive ample opportunities to create in Las Vegas and has a potential path to contributing eventually, as Miami continues to get younger and only a few players like Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, and Davion Mitchell are clearly ahead of him in the backcourt rotation.
Milwaukee Bucks
Mark Sears | PG
2025 draft: Undrafted
Following Damian Lillard`s departure, the Bucks have limited backcourt depth, relying primarily on veterans with inexpensive contracts to fill minutes. Sears, signed to a two-way contract out of Alabama, has a potential path to earning a spot on the back end of the roster if he can consistently make shots and perform well this summer despite his size disadvantage. He is expected to take on the primary point guard duties for the Summer League offense.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Rob Dillingham | PG
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 8 by San Antonio
Nickeil Alexander-Walker`s move to the Hawks creates an opportunity for several young perimeter players on Minnesota`s Summer League roster, including Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark. Among this group, Dillingham saw the least playing time as a rookie (just 16 total minutes after returning from an ankle sprain) but has the best chance of eventually stepping into a significant role, potentially backing up Mike Conley. This makes Summer League a crucial period for Dillingham.
New Orleans Pelicans
Jeremiah Fears | PG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 7
The Pelicans` selection of Fears in the top 10 was somewhat overshadowed by their subsequent trade to move up and draft Derik Queen at No. 13. While Queen`s game might not fully suit the fast-paced Summer League environment, it should be ideal for Fears, whose 17.1 points per game ranked fifth among one-and-done prospects and 4.1 assists per game ranked fourth. His offensive skills and ability to create should shine in Las Vegas.
New York Knicks
Tyler Kolek | PG
2024 draft: Round 2, No. 34
Even as a high second-round pick, Kolek played limited minutes off the Knicks` bench last season. His path to regular playing time remains challenging with guards like Jordan Clarkson and Deuce McBride in the rotation, but Kolek should have the opportunity to lead the team in Las Vegas and build his case. He is a skilled playmaker who deserves more chances but faces physical limitations when running the second unit. Summer League is his platform to demonstrate his value.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Nikola Topic | PG
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 12
Over a year after being drafted by the Thunder in the first round while recovering from ACL surgery, Topic made his debut in an Oklahoma City jersey at the Salt Lake City Summer League over the weekend. He scored 14 points on Saturday but also committed seven turnovers. The Thunder`s No. 15 pick this year, Thomas Sorber, will not play as he is still rehabbing from toe surgery that ended his college season prematurely. Topic`s performance will be a key focus for OKC.
Orlando Magic
Jase Richardson | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 25
The Magic got good value with Richardson falling to them, securing a viable younger option to potentially take over Cole Anthony`s bench minutes. Richardson can play both guard spots, but his size suggests his best fit is at point guard, a role he didn`t play full-time at Michigan State. Orlando will likely aim to give him extensive ball-handling responsibilities in Summer League to assess his readiness to run a second unit. He could become an essential bench piece as the Magic push for contention in the East.
Philadelphia 76ers
VJ Edgecombe | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 3
In his Utah Summer League debut, Edgecombe showcased exactly the explosive and fluid scoring ability the Sixers need. He did miss the next two games due to a minor thumb injury but is expected to have significant opportunities to create offense and attack the basket in Vegas. It`s already clear that NBA spacing will make defending his drives even more challenging. His positive first game performance reinforced why Philly prioritized him in the pre-draft process. His development will be a key storyline.
Phoenix Suns
Khaman Maluach | C
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 10
It`s a new era for the Phoenix Suns, whose Summer League roster is notably filled with draft picks, including three from this year. None is more significant than Maluach, selected at No. 10, the Suns` highest draft pick since Jalen Smith in 2020. Despite also adding center Mark Williams on draft night, Phoenix is hoping Maluach can provide rookie contributions with his defensive versatility and finishing around the rim. Summer League offers the first look at his NBA readiness.
Portland Trail Blazers
Yang Hansen | C
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 16
Yang already had Summer League experience before being drafted No. 16 last month. He played for the China national team in the California Classic last year at age 19, averaging 8.7 points and 5.0 rebounds over three games. Both turnovers (4.7 per game) and fouls (4.0 per game in 20.9 minutes) were areas of concern. Watching how much he has improved in these aspects between Summer League appearances will be important.
Sacramento Kings
Nique Clifford | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 24
Clifford is quite familiar with the Thomas & Mack Center, having played there against UNLV during the college season. He particularly excelled there, averaging 25.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists as Colorado State won the Mountain West tournament in March. These performances were key in solidifying his status as a first-round pick for the Kings. Summer League in his familiar Vegas arena should be a strong start for him.
San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 2
Hopes are high to see the No. 2 overall pick in Las Vegas, especially after he missed the California Classic due to what summer coach Mike Noyes described as a `minor` groin injury. Harper would be given control of the Spurs` offense this summer, a role he won`t have during the regular season playing alongside De`Aaron Fox and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. Fellow lottery pick Carter Bryant did play recently but is not as advanced in his development as Harper. Harper`s Vegas debut is highly anticipated.
Toronto Raptors
Collin Murray-Boyles | PF
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 9
Murray-Boyles was a polarizing prospect, showing considerable production, clear basketball intelligence, and defensive versatility but lacking a reliable jump shot and possessing average size for a power forward, all within a struggling South Carolina team context. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to what should be a more structured team environment in Vegas and how the Raptors utilize him offensively. Key questions include how much they lean on him as a passer and whether he shows confidence in taking 3-pointers.
Utah Jazz
Ace Bailey | SF
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 5
After much discussion leading up to the draft regarding his decision not to work out for any teams, Bailey landed with Utah without issue. Now, the focus is on whether his performance justifies the pre-draft attention. Following a season at Rutgers, where he displayed significant strengths in scoring and rim protection for his position but also poor shot selection and limited playmaking, his debut was mixed (1-of-5 on non-paint 2-pointers). Summer League is his chance to show growth and NBA readiness.
Washington Wizards
Tre Johnson | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 6
Johnson is expected to be a high-volume scorer in Summer League, being one of the more polished perimeter scorers from the draft class and a potential cornerstone for the rebuilding Wizards. A key area to monitor is his playmaking; while he`ll draw significant defensive attention, making the right decisions and becoming a more willing passer are crucial next steps in his development. Washington has a talent-rich roster in Vegas with five 2024 first-rounders plus Johnson and Will Riley, but Johnson is likely to be a featured player in their offense, both this week and in the upcoming season.